Staffordshire County Council is launching the search for this year’s outstanding carers as nominations officially open for the 2026 Dignity in Care Awards on Wednesday 1 April.
Now in its twelfth year, the awards celebrate the compassion and dedication shown every day by professional and unpaid carers of adults across the county, shining a light on those who go the extra mile to ensure adults are treated with dignity and kindness.
The Dignity in Care Awards form a key part of the council’s work to recognise excellence in care and champion Staffordshire as a place where high‑quality, person‑centred support is both valued and encouraged.
The council is calling on families, friends, colleagues and adult care professionals to nominate someone who embodies the values at the heart of dignified care. Whether it is supporting independence, listening with empathy, protecting privacy or helping people stay connected to their community, the awards recognise the everyday acts that have an extraordinary impact.
Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Dignity must sit at the heart of every interaction in adult social care. Across Staffordshire, we see remarkable individuals and teams who show compassion, respect and genuine kindness every single day. The Dignity in Care Awards are our opportunity to recognise those who consistently go above and beyond to make sure people are treated as individuals, listened to and supported to live the lives they value.”
Jan Burns MBE, Chair of the National Dignity Council, said:
“Every day, across our communities, dedicated adult care workers go above and beyond to ensure people are treated with dignity. The Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards 2026 are an ideal opportunity to celebrate those individuals and teams whose kindness, respect and compassion makes a real significant difference in people’s lives.
“When people take the time to nominate someone, they are helping to highlight the values and behaviours that raise the standard of care for everyone. Recognising care that is delivered with dignity encourages others to reflect, learn and strive for the same level of compassion and respect.
“This year is the National Dignity Council’s twentieth year of leading the campaign and we truly appreciate Staffordshire for their continued dedication to promote dignity recognising and acknowledging excellence in practice.”
The awards celebrate carers who champion the 10 Dignity Do’s, a national benchmark that guides best practice across care settings. These principles, including respecting individuality, supporting independence, listening to people’s wishes, and alleviating loneliness, form the foundation of the awards criteria and Staffordshire’s ongoing commitment to high‑quality care.
Nominations are open from 1 April 2026, and residents are encouraged to share the stories of those who make an exceptional contribution to dignified care.
Full details, including categories and nomination forms, will be available on the Dignity in Care Awards webpage.
